Unruh makes home final at German stage of international archery tour

Germany’s Lisa Unruh beat Tan Ya-Ting of Chinese Taipei in a semifinal shoot-off to make the recurve women’s gold medal match at the fourth stage of the 2018 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Berlin, Germany.

“I’m really excited, it was my dream to shoot for gold in my hometown, and I made it happen,” said Lisa.

“It will feel good to walk in that arena in Berlin.”

Unruh qualified sixth with 646 out of a possible 720 points for the 72-arrow 70-metre ranking round, receiving a top-eight bye into the third round.

The Olympic silver medallist beat German teammate Elena Richter in her first match, followed by Promila Daimary of India and Khatuna Narimanidze of Georgia.

Her semifinal against number seven seed Tan Ya-Ting was tied at 3-3 after three sets. The pair shot 28 and 27 for the last two sets to send the match to a tiebreak.

Tan shot an eight, Lisa an excellent 10.

“I was a bit nervous before the last shot, but during the shot no, I was really focused on my technique. The feeling was really good and I was sure it was a good shot and a good hit,” said Unruh.

The German 30-year-old also picked up enough points to qualify for the 2018 Hyundai Archery World Cup Final with her gold medal match berth in Berlin.

Winning her final against Lee Eun Gyeong would qualify Lisa for Samsun, too, but with a high-enough ranking secured – and the invitation coming, one way or another – the pressure is off.

“The final was not an objective because [during the summer I made] some technique changes and I wasn’t that stable, solid,” said Unruh.

“I carried on and it got better and better and now I’m sure in it.”

Lisa’s gold medal match takes place on Sunday 22 July in Anhalterplatz.

The fourth stage of the 2018 Hyundai Archery World Cup takes place in Berlin, Germany on 16 to 22 July.